Lakers fail to get off the ground after LeBron's return

LeBron James's long-awaited return hasn't been the paradise the Lakers were hoping for. His second game on the court ended with a second consecutive loss, this time against the Orlando Magic (118-106). Not even the good performance of the team's franchise player (24 points), added to the offensive contribution from Luka Doncic (32 points), was enough to recover the path to victory.

The result leaves the Lakers with a record of 43 wins and 28 losses, which places them fourth in the Western Conference, tied with the Memphis Grizzlies. Right now, they would qualify directly for the Playoffs and maintain a three-game lead over the play-in spots.

However, the loss means a setback in their aspirations to take second place in the West. The Thunder have locked down the top spot, but numerous teams are fighting for second. That position is currently held by the Houston Rockets (46-26), but the Denver Nuggets (45-28), Lakers and Grizzlies (43-28) are all within two and a half games.

Franz Wagner scored 32 points and Paolo Banchero added 30 for the Magic, who outscored the Lakers 34-18 in the third quarter to take control of the game and earn their first home win since February.

Mavericks celebrate Davis' return to the court with their second straight win

In other games, the Dallas Mavericks welcomed back Anthony Davis with a victory against the Nets in Brooklyn (120-101). Davis returned after missing six weeks with an adductor injury suffered in his first game with the Mavs following the surprising trade that brought him from the Lakers in exchange for Doncic.

Davis scored 12 points on 6-of-9 shooting in 26 minutes. Naji Marshall scored 22 points off the bench, and the Mavs added their second straight win.

Wolves fall to Pacers

The Indiana Pacers, powered by Tyrese Haliburton's 24 points and 11 assists, added their fifth straight win, 119-103 over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Obi Toppin hit 6 3-pointers and scored 20 points for the Pacers, who maintained their narrow lead over the Milwaukee Bucks in the race for fourth place in the East.

Naz Reid scored 20 points off the bench to lead the Timberwolves, who are eighth in the West but just one game out of sixth place and a chance to avoid the play-in tournament.